Academy eligibility and trials
Loughborough Lightning’s Academy provides a high-performance pathway for aspiring netball players, offering opportunities to develop skills, compete at an elite level, and progress through the England Netball Player Pathway.
Our structured programme ensures that talented athletes receive top-tier coaching, access to world-class facilities, and the chance to represent Lightning in competitive environments.
Each year, we welcome athletes to trial for our Academy squads, which span multiple age groups, from U15 to U19, as well as our NXT Gen programme. These trials provide a fair and transparent selection process, allowing athletes to showcase their talent and potential. Successful players will be invited to join our Academy, where they will benefit from expert coaching, strength and conditioning support, and a performance-focused training environment.
Eligibility criteria for 2025
To ensure fair competition and alignment with England Netball’s player development structure, athletes must meet the following age and programme criteria to be eligible for trials:
NXT Gen eligibility criteria
- Athletes must be under-23 as of 23:59 on 31 December 2025.
- An additional four players may be selected outside of this age restriction.
U17-U19 Academy eligibility criteria
- U17: Under-17 and over the age of 14 as of 23:59 on 31 December 2025
- U19: Under-19 and over the age of 16 as of 23:59 on 31 December 2025
U16 PDP Academy eligibility criteria
- U16: Under-16 and over the age of 14 as of 23:59 on 31 December 2025
U15 Academy eligibility criteria
- Athletes must be Under-15 at 23:59 on 31 August 2026 (born on or after 1 September 2010)
- Athletes must currently be part of an England Netball Player Pathway Programme, such as:
- County Player Development Programme (PDP)
- Franchise Academy (Under 17)
- Franchise Player Development Programme (PDP)
Additional eligibility requirements for U15 trials
- Athletes must be registered as an England Netball (EN) member.
- Athletes must be registered on ENgage as a member of the England Netball Player Pathway Programme before attending trials in January 2026.
- Athletes must be linked to their Player Pathway Programme on ENgage before attending trials, as we cannot offer a place to those who are not correctly linked.
Trials for 2025
NXT Gen and NXT Gen Development
We are taking expression of interests for our NXT Gen and NXT Gen Development teams for 2026. To register your interest, please email our Franchise Pathway Lead: Josie Pointon
Deadline for expression of interest: 17:00 on 10 August 2025.
Frequently asked questions
Can you trial for multiple age groups?
No. Athletes should only sign up for their current age group. The Academy selection panel may invite a player to trial or play in an older age group at their discretion.
Do trials last the full day?
No. Each trial session lasts approximately 2-3 hours within the allocated trial dates. Athletes must provide availability for all advertised trial dates, including any reserve sessions.
What happens if you are successful after your open trial?
Successful athletes will be invited to attend a closed trial for their relevant Academy group.
What happens if you are unavailable for a trial date?
Due to the volume of applications, we cannot guarantee specific trial date requests. We will try to accommodate where possible, but attendance at an open trial is mandatory. Requests to go straight to closed trials will not be accepted.
I have signed up for a trial, when will I receive my allocated trial session and further information?
The deadline for our trials is 10 August 2025. You will receive your information pack week commencing 25 August. Please do check your junk mail if you have not received anything
When do your Academies train?
- NXT Gen: Tuesday and Thursday evenings 18:00-21:00
- U19 NPL: Tuesday evenings 18:00-21:00
- U17 NPL and U16 PDP North: Tuesday evenings 18:00-21:00
- U16 PDP South: Monday evenings 18:30-21:00
- U15 Academy: Friday 18:30-20:30 (Monthly Jan – May) then Wednesdays 18:30-20:30 (Weekly June- August)
- County Futures: Fridays 18:30-20:20 (monthly)